While spring and summer are when peak buying and selling activity happens in the housing market, don’t underestimate the benefits of selling your home in the winter. As a seller, you will have less competition for your listing. And as a buyer, the hassle of moving is over before the snow melts, so you can enjoy the spring and summer months in your new home. So what’s different about selling a home in the winter? As a seasoned REALTOR®, I’ve assisted with hundreds of winter home sales, and I’ve rounded up five essential tips for selling your home in the winter.
Curb appeal matters, even when there’s snow
Staying on top of snow and ice removal is critically important not only for first impressions, but also in terms of safety. Make sure all walkways are clear. Also clear snow off of the deck or patio so potential buyers are able to visualize your outdoor space and can step outside with ease. While there isn’t much you can do about the winter wonderland outside, make sure you clean up any dead plants in the garden and remove pet waste from the yard.
Ensure outdoor lights are on, including any patio or landscape lights, particularly if showings are scheduled after the sun goes down. Illuminating your home inside and out will make it so much more inviting and cozy regardless of any chilly vibes the weather is giving.
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Include photos of your home in the summer
There’s no denying that a home shows better with a beautiful green lawn, lush foliage from trees, and blooming summer plants all around. Including even just a few photos of your backyard in the summer will go a long way to help buyers envision the home year-round.
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Channel your inner Norwegian and maximize hygge in your home
If you’re not familiar with it, hygge is a Danish/Norwegian word that describes a quality of coziness and comfort. And of all the tips for selling your home in the winter, this one should be a top priority!
The idea here is to make your home as warm and inviting as possible so that people can envision themselves spending quality time with friends and family. Think cozy blankets, candle light, and comfortable pillows.
Keep the thermostat at a comfortably warm temperature. Somewhere in the range of 20-22℃ is best. Leave a note so that the agent knows to turn on the gas or electric fireplace. Add extra light using floor or table lamps where necessary and choose appropriate bulbs depending on the space. Typically daylight bulbs (5,000-6,500K) work best for bathrooms while living spaces are suited to soft white (2,700K).
Maximizing the coziness factor is really important in the winter since so much of our time is spent indoors this time of year. Potential buyers will be drawn to spaces that give an atmosphere of warmth and comfort.
Stay on top of HVAC maintenance
Your home’s furnace will be something that is even more top of mind to potential buyers in the winter. Scheduling furnace maintenance and duct cleaning prior to listing your home is a great way to show potential buyers you’ve taken steps to ensure your HVAC system is in good working order.
Ensure the HVAC maintenance provider includes a sticker with the maintenance date clearly visible in your utility room
Keep entryways clean and tidy
Winter boots tend to track in plenty of sand and salt, so make sure your entryway is clean and freshly vacuumed/mopped prior to showings.
Remove clutter in your front closet and ensure there are hangers and either a basket or shelf available so that potential buyers have room to hang up their coats and drop mitts and scarves off while they are touring the home.
Selling your home in the winter can be done! Following these easy tips for selling your home in the winter will boost your chances of a successful sale even in the coldest months of the year. So make the most of the winter market and list your home early this year.
Selling a home? Wally is an award-winning REALTOR® with 20 years of experience in the Edmonton market. Call/text him at 780.238.7384 to get started.